Embracing our fears is a common feat to do at Aerial Dance, though it might not always seem like it. We can joke about being scared to try a move or performing on stage, but fear can also be a great motivator. We do badass things all the time when we’re in class but that doesn’t mean fear can’t creep in when you’re high up on the pole or holding yourself with fabrics.
The first time I walked into Aerial Dance, I was scared because I had no idea what to expect. I was worried about if I was wearing the right clothes, if I could even hold my body up on the pole, I was worried what the other girls could also do in class. Those fears were quickly squashed though, because after that first class I couldn’t wait to come back for more!
It takes a lot of courage to even start a class at Aerial, you took the time to research if this is something you wanted to do, probably looked at their social media pages, their website even or maybe you just showed up and wanted to sign up. There are women of all ages, and different backgrounds at Aerial, that I can see how it can be intimidating. Plus you’re starting something completely new at an age that’s possibly later in life than you thought. Some women start at the studio while still in college and others start when they’re in their 30s, 40s, 60s even! The studio never tells you that you’re too old to start or don’t have enough “dance” background, they’re open to anyone and everyone who walks through that door because we want to empower women to be able to do what they want no matter their background.
Embracing the fear in class is something that propels us forward. It takes courage to wear less clothing in class if you’re taking a pole class. It takes courage to invert upside down on any apparatus. It takes courage to move up a level and start trying new things again. I remember when I started in my first advanced level classes, that I wasn’t sure if I was even ready for it and inverting for the first time was scary but also exhilarating. There are times when it’s tough, but I have to remind myself that what we’re doing is already hard to begin with, but all of the instructors, all of my classmates are some of my biggest cheerleaders and without all of them, I couldn’t be doing what I’m doing. I’m extremely grateful for the support system that’s been created at Aerial and the constant uplifting attitude and support everyone has for each other.